Simple Bone Cysts of the Jaws: Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract

Simple bone cysts (SBCs) of the jaws are benign intraosseous cavities empty or filled with serous, serohematic or blood fluid. They are characterized by the absence of an epithelial lining. Aim: To describe the clinical, radiographic and surgical findings of SBC through a series of 4 clinical cases and a literature review of previously published cases. Methods: A series of 4 case reports of our department were reported with presentation of the clinical, radiological and surgical investigations performed. In addition, a literature search of SBCs was conducted using the PubMed database for a period of 10 years. Results: 19 papers were returned; A total of 34 patients (including our 4 patients) with a total of 40 lesions were analyzed. SBC are generally observed around the second decade of life (68%) without gender predominance. They are preferentially located in the mandible and are frequently asymptomatic and of fortuitous discovery (82%). Radiologically, SBCs can be unilocular or multilocular with a characteristic scalloped appearance between the roots of the teeth. The management of these pseudocysts is based on surgical treatment. Discussion: Knowledge of these different characteristics of SBCs is essential to make the right diagnosis and to provide the best management, especially as these lesions may have similarities with other lesions considered more aggressive.